Q. I get cracks or pops while squeezing my shoulder. Is it due to muscle weakness?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

When I squeeze my shoulder blades together, my spine always cracks or pops (like cracking your knuckles). I do this maybe 20 times a day. I think it is becoming a habit. It helps to loosen it up. What causes this? Do I have muscle weakness? It has been an ongoing pain for three years and it is getting worse. It is very easy to pop and it is addicting.

The sounds coming from the spine is called as snapping of joints. A synovial joint is a joint where two bony surfaces are enclosed in a capsule with synovial fluid enclosed in it. It is like sound coming from two wet surfaces placed together and now separated. It is a normal physical property. You feel good or relaxed on repeatedly doing it because of your habit. You do not have any muscle weakness. You should avoid doing it repeatedly as repeated forces over a limited area of the spine will predispose it to degenerative changes over the long term. To avoid getting feeling of back stiffness, start to a regular spinal exercise programme.

Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern regarding surgical management and also, because of the fact there is no pain.
Surgical management is indicated in case of symptomatic discoid meniscus and a popping or snapping sound is an indication for surgery. It can be managed by arthrosco...
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Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Because of stopping the medication you have a problem with sleep. You should try some sleep medication for a short time and then taper it.
I suggest tablet Diazepam 5 mg before sleep. It is Benzodiazepine group drug and long duration, but it is addictive. So, you mu...
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